Cotton picking spindle



Dec. 28, 1965 J. H. GRAY 3,225,528

COTTON PICKING SPINDLE Filed May 3, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet l III/I INVENTOR,

JAMES H. GRAY Dec. 28, 1965 J GRAY 3,225,528

COTTON PICKING SPINDLE Filed May 5, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 37 FIG. 7

65 3 T -Sl INVENTOR,

JAMES H. GRAY United States Patent 3,225,528 COTTON PKCKING SPINDLE James H. Gray, Tupelo, Miss, assignor to Tupelo Spindle Company, Inc., Tupelo, Miss., a corporation of Mississippi Filed May 3, 1961, Ser. No. 107,422 17 Claims. (Cl. 565tl) This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in cotton picking spindles particularly of the rod-like type of generally cylindrical conformation which are adapted for usage in cotton picking machines for the purpose of removing the lint from cotton bolls and transporting the same through the machine to a stripping area where the same may be deposited for subsequent carriage away from the machine.

There have heretofore been a number of problems encountered in the preparation and manufacture of spindles for cotton picking machines. Spindle devices for use in connection with cotton picking machines have contemplated the utilization of substantially cylindrical body portions. These types of devices have developed difficulties in operation which have been sought to be overcome. Thus, for example, there have been provided cylindrical type cotton picking spindles with longitudinal flutings or ribbings applied in order to present a more abrasive surface and thereby to enhance the adherence of the lint to the spindle. In further developments there have been presented substantially rod-like spindles of approximately square cross section which have proven effective in most areas for the removal of cotton lint.

The present inventor is a co-inventor in the spindle shown in Patent 2,943,431, which presents a substantially cylindrical type spindle with a series of teeth of specifically defined delineation which are adaptable for effectively attacking the lint in the cotton plants and to remove the same therefrom. Even the device of the present inventors prior joint application has not proven commercially effective for all of the purposes that have been required. Thus the prior device as shown in Gray et al. Patent 2,943,431 can only be effective in picking when rotated in one direction, and inasmuch as the spindle type cotton picking machines require spindles which rotate in opposite directions for picking it is necessary in order to supply the same that a substantial stock of right hand and left hand spindles must be supplied. This defect is answered by the present device.

Furthermore, it is found that even in prior spindles such as those of the Gray et al. Patent 2,943,431 and other spindles that are known there is a very limited processing of the cotton lint by the spindle prior to its actual engagement by the picking elements. In many situations it has heretofore been found desirable not only to provide picking spindles for removing the cotton lint from the bolls of the cotton plant, but also to provide flufiing elements for acting upon the lint prior to the engagement of the lint by the spindles in order to better insure the removal of the lint by the spindles. The present invention contemplates providing a spindle which is formed with a pair of series of teeth respectively on opposite sides of the center line of the spindle, with the external surface of each of the series of teeth lying within the cylinder of the spindle, and with the terminal surfaces of the teeth being separated by a longitudinally extending rib formed within the body of the cylinder of the spindle, the apex of the rib lying substantially at the cylindrical surface of the spindle.

Thus a spindle is provided which is rotatable in opposite directions to effect picking, accordingly eliminating the problem of having right hand and left hand spindles which "ice has heretofore been serious, and furthermore it is found that the series of teeth which are in the leading position relative to the direction of rotation of the spindle and thus are ineifective for picking engagement of the lint, efiect a combing action upon the lint which is encountered, immediately followed (in the direction of rotation) by a substantial flufling action occasioned by the longitudinal rib heretofore mentioned, and immediately followed by the picking action of the trailing series of picking teeth.

It is, therefore, believed that the present spindle, providing the oppositely disposed pair of series of teeth, which, as will be hereinafter pointed out, are disposed in longitudinally staggered relationship, which are separated and spaced apart by a longitudinally extending rib, and in which the outer surfaces of all of the teeth and the apex of the rib lie substantially upon the cylindrical surface of the cylinder of rotation of the cylindrical spindle, presents a new and novel concept not heretofore contemplated.

It, therefore, is the principal object of the present invention to provide a new and novel spindle means for cotton picking machines.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such a spindle means which comprises a substantially cylindrical spindle, in which is formed a pair of oppositely biased and disposed teeth lying on the cylinder of the spindle, the teeth being separated by a longitudinally extending rib, the apex of the rib likewise lying substantially on the cylinder of the spindle in order that the spindle may be rotated or counter-rotated depending upon its disposition in a cotton picking machine, and effectively pickingly engage the lint cotton.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a device in which the spindles as previously described are employed, and in which the leading series of spindles acts as a combing agent upon the cotton lint to be encountered, the intermediate rib acts as a fiufiing agent thereupon, and the following series of spindles acts as a picking agent thereupon; and

A further object of the invention is generally to improve the design, construction and efficiency of cotton picking spindles for cotton picking machines.

The means by which the foregoing and other objects of the present invention are accomplished and the manner of their accomplishment will be readily understood from the following specification upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view with parts broken away illustrating a cotton picking machine of the character in which the spindle of the present invention may be embodied.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the spindle per se on a scale enlarged from that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the spindle as seen in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view as seen from the opposite side as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged scale end view of the spindle as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken as on the line VIVI of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 taken as on the line VIIVII of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of an end p rtion of the spindle illustrating details of the construction therein.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating other portions of the construction of the spindle; and

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional View illustrating a fragment of spindle supporting means, together with a pair of adjacent spindle assemblies incorporating the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings in which the various parts are indicated by numerals, the present device is primarily concerned with the construction and assembly of rotatable spindles utilized in cotton picking machines, the spindle of the present invention being conveniently referred to in the trade as a double pick cotton picking spindle in view of the capability of the spindle for being utilized in both right hand and left hand positions, that is for rotation and/or counter-rotation, depending upon position in the spindle supports of the cotton picking machine.

The cotton picking machine 11 of the general type in which the present invention may be employed is illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus cotton picking machine 11 may comprise a frame 13, a housing 15, a vertically disposed front shaft 16, and a vertically disposed rear shaft 17, shafts 16, 17 being respectively journalled in suitable bearings. Front shaft 16 has respectively attached at the upper and lower ends thereof, upper and lower sprockets 19, shaft 16 and sprockets 19 providing a rotatable front idler assembly. Rear shaft 17 has attached to its upper and lower ends drive sprockets 21 fixed to shaft 17. A pair of vertically spaced upper and lower endless conveyor chains 23 engage sprockets 19, 21.

Additionally cotton picking machine 11 is provided with a plant tunnel 25, chain guides 27, and preferably includes a suitable suction pipe 29 for conveying the cotton from the machine. It will be understood that the cotton picking machine illustrated is adapted to be carried by a suitable tractor or the like (not shown) and adapted to be powered by the coupling of rear shaft 17 through a gear bod 31 to suitable driving means, such as a drive shaft 33, which may be driven by the tractor power unit.

Mounted within the picking machine 11 between rear sprockets 21 and suction pipe 31 are a series of stripper bars 35, between which bars the spindles 37 of the present invention may be drawn in order to separate the picked cotton from the respective spindles. Spindles 37 are supported by spindle supports 39 which may be formed in a variety of details such as are disclosed by a number of prior patents, these spindle supports commonly being called slats.

Spindle supports 39 are respectively pivotally connected to the upper and lower chains 23 by suitable hinge means, the details of which may be found in a number of other disclosures. Spindles 37 are supported by spindle supports 39 for movement with chains 23 as the chains are driven by sprockets 21, and as the same pass along the picking area of the device the rollers 41 with which each of the individual spindles is provided pass over a so-called drive rail 43 which may be of the configuration shown in cross section in FIG. 10, but which may be of other configuration as is well known in the art. Passage of the rollers over the drive rail effects rotations of the superjacent spindle in one direction and effects rotation of the subjacent spindle in the opposite direction, this being particularly effected during the passage of the spindle through the so-called picking zone beginning approximately at the plant tunnel 25 and extending thence rearwardly approximately to the periphery of rear sprockets 21.

The thus driven rotation of the spindles effects picking engagement of the lint of the cotton carried by the plants which pass relatively along the plant tunnel and provides for picking of the lint from the cotton plants. The specific details of the spindle supports and of the mounting .of the spindles within the supports is not a part of the present invention and being well known in the art is not discussed specifically herein.

Each of spindles 37 is provided with a roller 41. Roller 41 is fixed to the spindle adjacent the rear end, but spaced somewhat forwardly therefrom, providing a bearing receiving rear portion 45. Forwardly of roller 41 each spindle 37 is provided with a further bearing receiving portion in order that the spindles may be properly rotatably mounted in spindle supports 39.

It will be seen that each of the spindles 37 is of a substantially elongated cylindrical and rod-like conformation and that the picking portion of the spindles which is disposed forwardly of the forward bearing receiving portion 47 is formed within the scope of the cylinder of the spindle per se, and the outer surfaces of the teeth and 0f the flufiing rib hereinafter to be described lie substantially upon the external surface of the cylinder of the spindle.

The picking portion of the spindle extends throughout a majority of the length of the spindle forwardly of the forward bearing portion 47. The picking portion of the present double pick spindle comprises a pair of longi tudinally extending series of teeth which are disposed on opposite side-s of the longitudinal center line of the spindle, and which are separated by a flutfing rib 49.

Rib 49 is defined by a pair of longitudinally extending flats or planar surfaces 51, 53, the flats 51, 53 being respectively cut out of the body portion of the cylinder of the rod-like spindle, and as best shown in FIG. 5, being formed along planes which extend from the surface of the cylinder to approximately subtend (if extended) a cylindrical segment of approximately 90 degrees. In other words, each of the flats 51, 53 defines an area which in cross section approximately subtends an arc of 90 degrees.

The flats 51, 53 intersect in a longitudinal apex 55 in substantially perpendicular relationship. Apex 55, as will be observed from the drawings, lies substantially upon the cylindrical surface of the cylinder of the rodlike spindle 37. Thus rib 49 is defined by flats 51, 53 and has its apex 55,t-he flats 51, 53 and the apex 55 extending longitudinally along spindle 37. Along one side of rib 49 a series of teeth 57 is provided, and alongside the opposite side of rib 49 a second series of teeth 59 is provided.

Each of teeth 57 includes an inner substantially planar surface 61, the surfaces 61 being disposed in substantially coplanar relationship, and further being disposed substantially perpendicularly to flat 51 of rib 49. Each of teeth 57 further includes a forward face 63 which is forwardly inclined and angularly intersects inner surface 61 of the respective teeth as well as angularly and rotationally intersecting flat 51. In addition, the teeth 57 are further provided with rear faces 65, the rear face 65 of each of teeth 57 respectively intersecting fiat 51 and forward face 63 of the next rearward tooth so that the successive teeth 57 are separated by forwardly open notches.

It will be observed that each of teeth 57 is thus provided with a forwardly extending barb-like point 67, with the points 67 being separated from the respective rear faces 65 of the successive teeth by a longitudinally disposed land 69. It will further be observed that lands 69 form the outermost part of inner surfaces 61, and that lands 69 lie on the cylindrical surface of spindles 37. Lands 69 are in substantially longitudinal alinement parallel with the longitudinal center line of the spindles 37. The outermost surfaces of teeth 57 are of arcuate conformation in cross section, and the arcuate conformation lies on the external surface of the cylinder of spindle rod 37 On the opposite side of rib 49 teeth 59 are similarly, but oppositely, formed. Teeth 59 thus similarly include an inner surface 71 disposed perpendicularly to flat 53, a forward face 73 which angularly intersects inner surface 71 and angularly intersects flat 53. Each of the teeth 59 includes a rearward face 75, similar to rear faces 65, angularly intersects inner surface 71, and also angularly intersects the forward face 73 of the next rearward tooth 59, successive teeth 69 being thereby separated by forwardly open notches. Each of the teeth of the series of teeth 59 is, like the teeth 57, provided with a point 77, with the points 77 being separated from the rear faces by longtiudinally extending lands 79 which are disposed in alinement along a line in substantial parallelism with the longitudinal center line of the spindle, and approximately parallel to the apex 55 of the rib.

It thus will be observed that the series of teeth 57 on one side of rib 4-9 are forwardly projecting toward the extremity of spindle 37. Similarly, and on the opposite side of rib 49, teeth 59 project forwardly and have their points projecting toward the free end of the spindle. It further will be seen that each of the series of teeth is on its external surface formed substantially arcuately and that the arc of conformation of each of the teeth lies on the cylinder of the body of the spindle 37. The teeth of one series are staggered longitudinally relative to the teeth of the other series so that in cross section the inner faces of one series extend across the teeth separating notches of the other series.

It will be seen that as the spindle is rotated, as for example in a clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 5, teeth 57 will be presented as the leading part of the picking portion. Teeth 57 will engage the lint of the cotton boll in a combing action which tends to straighten out the lint for subsequent attack by the following rib which effect flufling and the following picking by the teeth 59. Inasmuch as the outer surfaces of the teeth 57 are arcuately conformed to the cylinder of the rod of spindle 37, no picking action of substance is effected upon the lint by this leading series of teeth, and the longitudinal spacing staggered relative to the trailing series enhances the effect of the combing action.

Immediately trailing behind teeth 57 is rib 49, which acts upon the lint cotton in a flufiing effect by providing a sort of heating to the lint. Immediately thereafter the teeth 59 which are disposed in a picking position are enabled to pickingly engage the lint of the cotton bolls and to satisfactorily remove the same therefrom by the engagement of lands 79, points 77, and the other surfaces of the respective teeth 59 attacking the cotton lint, and thus effectively operating thereupon to remove the same from the bolls and to wind the same upon the spindle.

The next subjacent spindle of any series of vertically disposed spindles carried by a spindle support 39 is retated in the opposite direction so that the actions just described are reversed, the teeth 59 act as combing agents, rib 49 again acts as a fluffing agent, and the trailing teeth 57 pickingly attack the lint of the cotton and remove it from the boll in a satisfactory manner.

Inasmuch as all of the teeth 57, 59 are disposed externally in an arcuate conformation with the cylinder of the rod, and have their picking surfaces projecting forwardly toward the free end of the spindle, it is a simple matter for the cotton lint to be stripped from such spindle when the same passes through the stripper bars 35, no interference with the removal of the cotton being provided by the conformation and arrangement of the spindles and the teeth formed therein.

It will be observed that all of the teeth 57, 59 are arcuately curved and project from their roots toward the central longitudinally extending rib 49. It will further be observed that the lands 69, '79 of the respective teeth terminate away from the rib 49, and are spaced somewhat therefrom, the rib 49 eflectively separating the teeth of one series from the teeth of the other series. It further will be observed that the roots of the respective teeth 57, 59 are formed substantially diametrically opposite on the cylinder of the rod-like spindle 37.

Thus there is here provided cotton picking spindle means which may be rotated in either direction, that is to say, may be rotated or counter-rotated, which thus will effectively treat and pick the cotton in a boll in order more satisfactorily to remove the lint cotton from the boll regardless of the direction of rotation of the spindle, and that the spindles provide no interference with the stripping of the cotton lint from the spindles when the same reach the stripping station as represented by the stripper bars shown herein, and it further will be observed that the spindles of the present invention provide a triple action upon the lint of the cotton bolls in combing the lint with the leading series of teeth, fluifing the lint with the interposed intermediate rib, and attacking the lint for picking purposes with the trailing series of teeth.

I claim:

1. In a cotton picking machine which includes a plurality of two-way cotton picking spindles rotatably supported in vertically disposed banks of horizontally transported spindles with drive means interposed between vertically adjacent spindles adjacent their rear ends respectively effecting rotation of alternate spindles in one direction and counter-rotation of the other spindles in the opposite direction, each said spindle comprising a generally cylindrical rod-like body, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally extending planar flats, said flats intersecting at the surface of said body substantially perpendicularly and defining a rib having an angular apex lying substantially on the cylinder of said body, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other flat of said rib, each said tooth having an inner face substantially perpendicular intersecting its adjacent flat, the inner faces of the teeth of each series of teeth being alined in substantially coplanar relation; the teeth of each said series including a forward face angularly intersecting the fiat adjacent thereto at the inner end of the face and projecting angularly forward therefrom to the surface of said cylinder, a rearward face more acutely angled forwardly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end thereof and also intersecting the next adjacent forward face at an acute angle defining a notch between adjacent teeth, the outer extremities of the forward and rearward faces of said teeth being separated by a longitudinally extending land, said inner faces and said forward faces intersecting to provide for each tooth a forwardly extending point on the surface of said cylinder, said rib being positioned between and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving to ward said rib, the teeth of one said series being longitudinally staggered relative to the teeth of the other said series positioning the body of the teeth of one series in the same path of rotation with the notches between the teeth of the other series, whereby said spindles are rotational in opposite directions with one of said series of teeth leading and combingly engaging the cotton lint, said ribs fluifingly beating said lint and the other of said series of teeth pickingly engaging said combed and flufled lint.

2. In a cotton picking machine which includes a plurality of two-way cotton picking spindles rotatably supported in vertically disposed banks of horizontally transported spindles with drive means interposed between vertically adjacent spindles adjacent their rear ends respectively effecting rotation of alternate spindles in one direction and counter-rotation of the other spindles in the opposite direction, each said spindle comprising a generally cylindrical rod-like body, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally extending planar flats, said flats intersecting substantially perpendicularly and defining a rib having an angular apex lying substantially on the cylinder of said body, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other fiat of said rib, each said tooth having an inner face substantially perpendicularly intersecting its adjacent flat, the inner faces of the teeth of each series of teeth being alined in substantially coplanar relation; the teeth of each said series including a forward face angularly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end of the face and projecting angularly forward therefrom to the surface of said cylinder, a rearward face more acutely angled forwardly intersecting the fiat adjacent thereto at the inner end thereof and also intersecting the next adjacent forward face at an acute angle defining a notch between adjacent teeth, the outer extremities of the forward and rearward faces of said teeth being separated by a longitudinally extending land, said inner faces and said forward faces intersecting to provide for each tooth a forwardly extending point on the surface of said cylinder, said rib being positioned between and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving toward said rib, whereby said spindles are rotational in opposite directions with one of said series of teeth leading and combingly engaging the cotton lint, said ribs fluflingly beating said lint and the other of said series of teeth pickingly engaging said combed and flufied lint.

3. In a cotton picking machine which includes a plurality of two-way cotton picking spindles rotatably supported in vertically disposed banks of horizontally transported spindles with drive means interposed between vertically adjacent spindles adjacent their rear ends respectively effecting rotation of alternate spindles in one direction and counter-rotation of the other spindles in the opposite direction, each said spindle comprising a generally cylindrical rod-like body, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally extending planar flats, said flats intersecting at the surface of said body substantially perpendicularly and defining a rib having an angular apex lying substantially on the cylinder of said body, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other flat of said rib, the teeth of each said series including a forward face angularly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end of the face and projecting angularly forward therefrom to the surface of said cylinder, a rearward face more acutely angled forwardly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end thereof and also intersecting the next adjacent forward face at an acute angle defining a notch between adjacent teeth, the outer extremities of the forward and rearward faces of said teeth being separated by a longitudinally extending land, said inner faces and said forward faces intersecting to provide for each tooth a forwardly extending point on the surface of said cylinder, said rib being positioned between and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving toward said rib, whereby said spindles are rotational in opposite directions with one of said series of teeth leading and combingly engaging the cotton lint, said ribs fluffingly beating said lint and the other of said series of teeth pickingly engaging said combed and fluifed lint.

4. In a cotton picking machine which includes a plurality of two-way cotton picking spindles rotatably supported in vertically disposed banks of horizontally transported spindles with drive means interposed between vertically adjacent spindles adjacent their rear ends respectively effecting rotation of alternate spindles in one direction and counter-rotation of the other spindles in the opposite direction, each said spindle comprising a generally cylindrical rod-like body, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally extending flats, said flats intersecting and defining a rib having an angular apex, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other flat of said rib, each said tooth having an inner face intersecting its adjacent fiat, the inner faces of the teeth of each series of teeth being alined in substantially coplanar relation; the teeth of each said series including a forward face angularly intersectingthe flat adjacent thereto at the inner end of the face and projecting angu larly forward therefrom to the surface of said cylinder, a rearward face more acutely angled forwardly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end thereof and also intersecting the next adjacent forward face at an acute angle defining a notch between adjacent teeth, the outer extremities of the forward and rearward faces of said teeth being separated by a longitudinally extending land, said inner faces and said forward faces intersecting to provide for each tooth a forwardly extending point, said rib being positioned between and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving toward said rib.

5. In a cotton picking machine which includes a plurality of two-way cotton picking spindles rotatably supported in vertically disposed banks of horizontally transported spindles with drive means interposed between vertically adjacent spindles adjacent their rear ends respectively effecting rotation of alternate spindles in one direction and counter-rotation of the other spindles in the opposite direction, each said spindle comprising a generally cylindrical rod-like body, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally extending planar flats, said flats intersecting substantially at the surface of said body and defining a rib having an angular apex, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other flat of said rib, each said tooth having an inner face intersecting its adjacent flat; the teeth of each said series including a forward face angularly intersecting the fiat adjacent thereto at the inner end of the face and projecting angularly forward therefrom to the surface of said cylinder, a rearward face more acutely angled forwardly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end thereof and also intersecting the next adjacent forward face at an acute angle defining a notch between adjacent teeth, the outer extremities of the forward and rearward faces of said teeth being separated by a longitudinally extending land, said inner faces and said forward faces intersecting to provide for each tooth a forwardly extending point, said rib being positioned between and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving toward said rib, whereby said spindles are rotational in opposite directions with one of said series of teeth leading into the cotton lint, and the other of said series of teeth pickingly engage said lint.

6. In a cotton picking machine which includes a plurality of two-way cotton picking spindles rotatably supported adjacent their rear ends in vertically disposed banks of horizontally transported spindles with drive means respectively effecting rotation of said spindles, each said spindle comprising a generally cylindrical rodlike body, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally extending flats, said flats intersecting at the surface of said body substantially perpendicularly and defining a rib having an angular apex lying substantially on the cylinder of said body, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other flat of said rib, each said tooth having an inner face substantially perpendicularly intersecting its adjacent flat, the inner faces of the teeth of each series of teeth being alined in substantially coplanar relation; the teeth of each said series including a forward face angularly intersecting the fiat adjacent thereto at the inner end of the face and projecting angularly forward therefrom to the surface of said cylinder, a rearward face more acutely angled forwardly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end thereof and also intersecting the next adjacent forward face at the acute angle defining a notch between adjacent teeth, the outer extremities of the forward and rearward faces of said teeth being separated by a longitudinally extending land, said inner faces and said forward faces intersecting to provide for each tooth a forwardly extending point on the surface of said cylinder, said rib being positioned between and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving toward said rib, the teeth of one said series being longitudinally staggered relative to the teeth of the other said series positioning the body of the teeth of one series in the same path of rotation with the notches between the teeth of the other series, whereby said spindles are rotational with one of said series of teeth leading and combingly engaging the cotton lint, said ribs fluflingly beating said lint and the other of said series of teeth pickingly engaging said combed and flulfed lint.

7. In a cotton picking machine which includes a plurality of two-Way cotton picking spindles rotatably supported in vertically disposed banks of horizontally transported spindles with drive means interposed between ertically adjacent spindles adjacent their rear ends respectively effecting rotation of alternate spindles in one direction and counter-rotation of the other spindles in the opposite direction, each said spindle comprising a generally cylindrical rod-like body, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally ex tending flats, said flats intersecting substantially at the surface of said body and defining a rib having an angular apex, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other flat of said rib, each said tooth having an inner face intersecting its adjacent flat; the teeth of each said series including notches between adjacent teeth, said rib being positioned between and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving toward said rib.

8. Two-Way cotton picking spindle means adapted for use in a cotton picking machine which includes drive means interposed between vertically adjacent spindles respectively effecting rotation of alternate spindles in one direction and counter-rotation of the other spindles in the opposite direction, each said spindle comprising a generally cylindrical rod-like body, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally extending planar flats, said flats intersecting at the surface of said body substantially perpendicularly and defining a rib having an angular apex lying substantially on the cylinder of said body, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other flat of said rib, each said tooth having an inner face substantially perpendicularly intersecting its adjacent flat, the inner faces of the teeth of each series of teeth being aligned in substantially coplanar relation; the teeth of each said series including a forward face angularly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end of the face and projecting angularly forward therefrom to the surface of said cylinder, a rearward face more acutely angled forwardly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end thereof and also intersecting the next adjacent forward face at an acute angle defining a notch between adjacent teeth, the outer extremities of the forward and rearward faces of said teeth being separated by a longitudinally extending land, said inner faces and said forward faces intersecting to provide for each tooth a forwardly extending point on the surface of said cylinder, said rib being positioned between and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving toward said rib, the teeth of one said series being longitudinally staggered relative to the teeth of the other of said series positioning the body of the teeth of one series in the same path of rotation with the notches between the teeth of the other series, whereby said spindles are rotational in opposite directions with one of said series of teeth leading and combingly engaging the cotton lint, said rib fluffingly beating said lint and the other of said series of teeth pickingly engaging said combed and flutfed lint.

9. Two-way cotton picking spindle means adapted for use in a cotton picking machine which includes drive means effecting rotation of said spindles, each said spindle comprising a generally cylindrical rod-like body, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally extending planar flats, said flats intersecting substantially at the surface of said body substantially perpendicularly and defining a rib having an angular apex lying substantially on the cylinder of said body, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other flat of said rib, each said tooth having an inner face intersecting its adjacent flat, the inner faces of the teeth of each series of teeth being alinged in substantially coplanar relation; the teeth of each said series including a forward face angularly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end of the face and projecting angularly forward therefrom to the surface of said cylinder, a rearward face angled forwardly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end thereof, said rib being positioned between and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving toward said rib, whereby said spindles are rotational with one of said series of teeth leading and combingly engaging the cotton lint, said ribs fluffingly beating said lint and the other of said series of teeth pickingly engaging said combed and flutfed lint.

10. Two-way cotton picking spindle means adapted for use in a cotton picking machine which includes drive means effecting rotation of said spindles, each said spindle comprising a generally cylindrical rod-like body, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally extending flats, said flats intersecting substantially at the surface of said body substantially perpendicularly and defining a rib having an angular apex lying substantially on the cylinder of said body, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other flat of said rib, each said tooth having an inner face intersecting its adjacent flat, the teeth of each said series including a forward face angularly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end of the face and projecting angularly forward therefrom to the surface of said cylinder, at rearward face angled forwardly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end thereof, said rib being positioned between and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving toward said rib, whereby said spindles are rotational with one of said series of teeth leading and combingly engaging the cotton lint, said ribs fluffingly beating said lint and the other of said series of teeth pickingly engaging said combed and fluffed lint.

11. Two-way cotton picking spindle means adapted for use in a cotton picking machine which includes drive means effecting rotation of said spindles, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally extending flats, said flats intersecting substantially at the surface of said body and defining a rib having an angular apex, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other flat of said rib, each said tooth having an inner face intersecting its adjacent fiat; the teeth of each said series including a forward face angularly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end of the face and projecting angularly forward therefrom toward the surface of said cylinder, a rearward face angled forwardly intersecting the flat adjacent thereto at the inner end thereof, said rib being positioned between and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving toward said rib, whereby said spindles are rotational with one of said series of teeth leading and combingly engaging the cotton lint, said ribs fluflingly beating said lint and the other of said series of teeth pickingly engaging said combed and fiuffed lint.

12. Two-way cotton picking spindle means comprising a generally cylindrical rod-like body, each said spindle throughout a substantial portion of its length extending rearwardly from its forward end having a pair of longitudinally extending flats, said flats intersecting substantial- 1y at the surface of said body and defining a rib having an angular apex, a first series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along one flat of said rib, a second series of spaced teeth extending longitudinally along the other flat of said rib, each said tooth having an external surface, said rib being positioned and separating said series of teeth, the external surface of said series of teeth being arcuate in cross section lying on said cylinder and curving toward said rib, whereby when said spindles are rotated one of said series of teeth is leading and combingly engaging the cotton line, said ribs are fluffingly beating said lint and the other of said series of teeth pickingly engages said combed and fiufied lint.

13. For use in a cotton picking machine having alternate sets of oppositely rotating spindles, a two-way picking spindle adapted for use in either of said sets and having a longitudinal row of one-way right hand picking teeth and a longitudinal row of one-way left hand picking teeth in circumferentially spaced relation to said right hand picking teeth, and a longitudinal peaked ridge extending a distance substantially equal to the extent of the respective rows of teeth and being interposed intermediate the respective sets of teeth for acting upon cotton lint between the respective actions of the rows of teeth thereupon during picking operation.

14. A spindle in accordance with claim 13, in which the peak of the ridge lies substantially along the periphery of the cylinder of rotation of said spindle in operation.

15. A spindle in accordance with claim 13, in which the peak of said ridge comprises in cross section the apex of a triangle.

16. A spindle in accordance with claim 15, in which the said apex lies on the cylinder of rotation of the spindle in use.

17. A spindle in accordance with claim 15, in which said ridge comprises substantially fiat surfaces diverging away from said apex with the base of said surfaces respectively intersecting the roots of the respective rows of teeth.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,943,431 7/1960 Gray et al. 56-50 ABRAHAM G. STONE, Primary Examiner.

CARL W. ROBINSON, Examiner. 

13. FOR USE IN A COTTON PICKING MACHINE HAVING ALTERNATE SETS OF OPPOSITELY ROTATING SPINDLES, A TWO-WAY PICKING SPINDLE ADAPTED FOR USE IN EITHER OF SAID SETS AND HAVING A LONGITUDINAL ROW OF ONE-WAY RIGHT HAND PICKING TEETH AND A LONGITUDINAL ROW OF ONE-WAY LEFT HAND PICKING TEETH IN CIRCUMFERENTIALLY SPACED RELATION TO SAID RIGHT HAND PICKING TEETH, AND A LONGITUDINAL PEAKED RIDGE EXTENDING A DISTANCE SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL TO THE EXTENT OF THE RESPECTIVE ROWS OF TEETH AND BEING INTERPOSED INTERMEDIATE THE RESPECTIVE SETS OF TEETH FOR ACTING UPON COTTON LINT BETWEEN THE RESPECTIVE ACTIONS OF THE ROWS OF TEETH THEREUPON DURING PICKING OPERATION. 